SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS BELIEVE

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1 77. I Will Give Eternal Life Romans 2:5, 7 Revelation 2: He Has Made A City Hebrews 11:16 John 14: Walk In His Name Micah 4:5 Colossians 3: He Isaiah All In All 1 Corinthians 15:28 Colossians 3: To Him Be Glory Forever Galatians 1:4, 5 2 Peter 3: Judge Revelation 22:12 John 5:22 2 Timothy 4:8 Psalm 96: Lord Of Sabbath Isaiah 58:12-14 Mark 2: Destroys With Fire & Sword Isaiah 66:15,16 2 Thess. 1:7-10; Revelation. 19: White Throne Judgement Revelation 20:12,13 Romans 14:10 (John5:22) 86. God Of Prophets Revelation 22:6 Matthew 23: Comes In Clouds Revelation 1:7 Revelation 14: His Kingdom Daniel 2:44 Revelation 11:15 Matthew 6:33 2 Peter 1: Angels Worship Him Hebrews 1:6 Revelation 4: The Creator Revelation 4:11 Colossians 1:16-18 Psalm 102:24 Hebrews 1:1-3,10 Psalm 104:1,5 John 1: Who Lives Forever Revelation 1:18 Revelation 5:13, Holy Face 2 Corinthians 4:6 Revelation 20:11; 6:16 Revelation 22:4 93. Fountain Of Life Psalm 36:9 Revelation 21:6 - Alpha Revelation 1:7,8 - Omega Revelation 7:17 John 4:13, Call Upon Me Joel 2:32 Romans 10: Every Knee Bow Isaiah 45:21,23 Philippians 2:10, Ascended Above Psalm 68:4,18 Ephesians 4:7,8 97. The Way Isaiah 40:3 Matthew 3:3 98. The Rock Deuteronomy 32:3,4 1 Corinthians 10: Alpha & Omega Isaiah 44:6 Revelation 22: Husband Isaiah 54:5 2 Corinthians 11: Living Waters Psalm 23:2 Revelation 7:17 5. The Holy Spirit God the eternal Spirit was active with the Father and the Son in Creation. incarnation, and redemption. He inspired the writers of Scripture. He filled Christ's life with power. He draws and convicts human beings; and those who respond He renews and transforms into the image of God. Sent by the Father and the Son to be always with His children, He extends spiritual gifts to the church, empowers it to bear witness to Christ, and in harmony with the Scriptures leads it into all truth. (Genesis 1:1,2; Luke 1:35; 2 Peter 1:21; Luke 4:18; Acts 10:38; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 4:11, 12; Acts 1:8; John 14:16-18, 26; 15:26, 27; 16:7-13; Romans 1:1-4.) 1. The Holy Spirit Leads People: Matthew 4:1 - (also Mark 1:12; Luke 4:11) - He led Jesus into the wilderness. John 16:13 - He will guide us into all the truth. Acts 8:39 - He caught Phillip away. Romans 8:14 - He leads the children of God (cf. Galatians 5:18). 32

2 2. The Holy Spirit Speaks: Mark 13:11 - it is not you who speak, but the Holy spirit (also Matthew 10:19,20). Acts 4:25 - He spoke by the mouth of David. Acts 8:29 - He speaks to Phillip. Acts 11:12 - He told Peter to go with Cornelius' men. 1 John 4:2 - Spirit of God known by His confessing that Christ has come in the flesh. Revelation 2:7,11,7,29; 3:6,13, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. Revelation 22:17 - The Spirit and the Bride say, Come! See also: John 16:13-14; Acts 13:2; 1 Timothy 4:1; Hebrews 3:7; Revelation 14:13; 22: The Holy Spirit Testifies/ Bears Witness: John 15:26; Acts 20:23; Romans 8:16; 1 John 5:7,8. 4. The Holy Spirit Teaches: Exodus 31:2-4; Nehemiah 9:20; Luke 12:12; John 14:26; 1 Corinthians 2: The Holy Spirit Helps us in Many ways: John 14:16,17,26; 16:7 - He dwells with us, teaches us, and comes to us. Romans 8:26 - He helps in our weaknesses and makes intercession for us. Titus 3:5 - He renews us. 6. The Holy Spirit Sanctifies us: Romans 15:16; 1 Corinthians 6:11; 1 Peter 1:2. 7. The Holy Spirit has a Mind and can Reason: Acts 15:28 - it seemed good to us and the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:27 - He has a mind. 1 Corinthians 2:11 - He knows God's thoughts. 8. The Holy Spirit Reveals Things to us: Luke 2:26 - He revealed to Simeon he would see the Christ. John 16:13 - He will disclose to the apostles things to come. 1 Corinthians 2:10 - God reveals things through the Holy Spirit for the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. Ephesians 3:5 - He reveals the mystery of Christ. 1 Peter 1:11 - Spirit of Christ in the prophets testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. 9. The Holy Spirit Performs Works: John 16: He convicts. Acts 2:4 - He gave the Apostles utterance. Acts 13:4 - He sent out Barnabas and Saul (cf. v.2). Acts 16:6,7 - He forbid Paul to go to Asia. Acts 20:28 - The Holy Spirit has made you overseers. 1 Corinthians 12:8,9,11 - Gifts given through, by, and as He wills. 33

3 1 Corinthians 12:11 - the same Spirit works all these things. 1 Corinthians 12:13 - He baptizes us into Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:6 - the Spirit gives life. 2 Corinthians 3:8 - Paul speaks of the ministry of the Spirit. Ephesians 3:16 - God strengthens us through His Spirit. 1 Timothy 3:16 - Christ Justified in [by] the Spirit. 2Tim 1:14 - He helps us guard our faith. 1 Peter 3:18 - He makes us alive. 2 Peter 1:21 - He guided men to write Scripture/speak from God. 10. Other Indications of the Spirit s Person hood: Genesis 1:2 - He was hovering over the face of the waters (compare Deut 32:11). Genesis 6:3 - He strives with sinners. Psalm 51:11; 139:7 - Indicate His personality (in their contexts). Isaiah 48:13 - He can be informed, as by a counselor. Matthew 1:18, 28 - Jesus conceived by the Spirit (also Luke 1:35). Matthew 12: He can be blasphemed (also Luke 12:18). Luke 2: Simeon came by the Spirit into the temple. John 3:5,6,8 - People are born of the Spirit. Acts 5:3,4 - He can be lied to. Acts 7:51 - He can be resisted. Acts 13:2 - He uses the first-person pronouns Me and I. Acts 21:4 - Disciples speak to Paul through the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 13:14 - communion (or fellowship) of the Holy Spirit (also Phil 2:1). Ephesians 4:39 - He can be grieved (also Isaiah 63:19). Hebrews 9:8 - the Holy Spirit is indicating this. 11. The Holy Spirit Has The Attributes Of Personality Intellect 1 Corinthians 2:10,11 Isaiah 11:2 Ephesians 1:17 Emotions Ephesians 4:30 Romans 15:30 Will 1 Corinthians 12:11 Acts 16: The Holy Spirit Performs The Actions Of Personality Teaches John 14:26 Testifies John 15:26 Guides Romans 8:14 Convinces John 16:7,8 Restrains Genesis 6:3 Commands Acts 8:29 Performs Miracles Acts 8:39 Calls Acts 13:2 Sends People Acts 13:4 Intercedes Romans 8:26 Comforts Galatians 5:22, The Holy Spirit Has The Features Of Personality Obeyed Acts 5:32; 10:19-21 Lied To Acts 5:3 Resisted Acts 7:51 Grieved Ephesians 4:30 34

4 Reverenced Psalm 51:11 Blasphemed Matthew 12:31 Angered Hebrews 10: The Holy Spirit Has The Attributes Of God Eternal Hebrew 9:14 All Present Psalm 139:7 Creator Genesis 1:2 Job 33:4 God Acts 5:3,4 2 Timothy 3:16 (2 Peter 1:21) Ephesians 4:30 (Revelation 7:1-3) 2 Corinthians 3:17 Isaiah 48:16 Luke 1: Other Attributes Of The Holy Spirit 1 Samuel 10:6 Author of the Bible 11:6 Direction and Leadership 16:13,14 Born again, Fills our life Nehemiah 9:20 Instructs us Psalm 33:6 Creator 51:12 Upholds Us 104:30 The Creator 143:10 Full controls our lives Isaiah 4:4 Spirit of judgement 11:2 Wisdom, Understanding, Council, Might, Knowledge Fear Of The Lord 32:15 Poured out onto us 42:1 Controls God's disciples 48:16 Separate Person 63:10,14 Filled Moses, Lead Children of Israel Ezekiel 2:2 Inspires and directs prophets 11:19 Converting and sustaining power 36:26,27 New birth, Guides and directs, Controls our thoughts Joel 2:28 Gives dreams, prophecies & visions Zechariah 4:6 God's Spirit Matthew 4:1 Lead Jesus Luke 1:15 Have Spirit from conception 1:35 Power of the Highest, Life begets life 1:41 Directs our minds before birth 1:67 Gives prophecy Acts 2:33-39 Gift of tongues 10:38 Jesus anointed by Romans 5:5 Love of the Spirit 8:2 Law of the Spirit 8:15 Gifts of Adoption 8:16 Witnesses to us 8:23 Fruits of the Spirit 8:26 Helps us, Intercedes for us 14:17 Joy of the Spirit Ephesians 3:16-21 Christ's Spirit fills our hearts with love and truth 4:7-13 Gifts of the Spirit Revelation 2:7 Intelligence 2:11 Knowledge 2:17 Guidance 2:29 Council 35

5 3:6 Wisdom A key text in understanding that the Holy Spirit is a Person, is John 14:16, where Jesus promises to send another Helper (or Comforter) to His disciples. These two words - another and Helper - clearly prove the Spirit is indeed a Person. The Greek word translated another (allos), means another of the same kind. 1 Thus, if we believe Jesus to be a Person (and, for that matter, to be God), then we must believe the Spirit, too, is a Person, and that He is God. To believe otherwise is to make Jesus Christ a mere power or force - which is obviously false. As a side-note, Jesus' use of the adjective, another clearly demonstrates the Holy Spirit is distinct from the Father and the Son, thus providing support for the doctrine of the Trinity. Further, the word translated Helper (parakletos), includes the idea of one called alongside to help. 2 Surely this indicates another Person called upon for aid, and not some thing! The Bible Teaches the Holy Spirit is also God That the Holy Spirit is also God, is revealed throughout the Scriptures. The several passages which speak of the Spirit of God or the Spirit of Christ and other like terms, all indicate the Spirit is God. The Holy Spirit is specifically called God in Acts 5:3,4 and Lord in 2 Corinthians 3:17,18. That the Holy Spirit is a distinct Person from the Father and the Son is seen in several key texts. These texts clearly and unmistakably separate the three Persons of the Godhead. Birth of Jesus announced - Luke 1: Baptism of Jesus - Matthew 3: See also: Matthew 28:19; Luke 11:13; John 14:16,26; 15:26; 16:7-15; 1 Corinthians 12:3-6; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 4:4-6; 1 Peter 1:2. If the Holy Spirit were merely God's personal power or force, as some maintain, then it would be redundant for Jesus (Matthew 28:19 and the texts from John's Gospel) and the Apostle Paul (especially 2 Corinthians 13:14), to speak of the three members of the Godhead as they do. The only plausible explanation is that the three-the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit-are in fact three distinct Persons, comprising the one and only God. This is the plain teaching of the Bible. Isaiah the Holy Spirit an impersonal force lacking self-consciousness? Isaiah IT just some kind of power source like electricity or the wind? Or is HE a self-conscious being, the Third Person of the Trinity? The way to answer these questions is to investigate the Scriptures. What follows is a systematic, ten-point, Biblical defense of the full Personality and full Deity of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit Work/Action The Bible 2 Corinthians 3:6 Begotten James 1:18 John 3:5-8 Born again 2 Peter 1:23 1 Corinthians 6:11 Cleanses John 15:2-3 Acts 9:31 Comforts 1 Thessalonians 4:8 John 16:8 Convicts Titus 1:9 Galatians 5:22 Faith Romans 10:17 Nehemiah 9:20 Instructs 2 Timothy 3:17 1 Corinthians 6:11 Justifies Galatians 2:16; Romans 3:28 Romans 8:14;Galatians 5:18 Leads Psalm 43:3; 119:105 Romans 15:13 Power Hebrews 1:3; Romans 1:16 1 Peter 1:22 Purifies 1 Peter 1: Peter 3:18; John 6:63 Quickens Psalm 119:50 Romans 8:11 Raised John 5:28-29 John 16:8 Reproves 2 Timothy 4:2 Acts 7:51 Resists 2 Timothy 3:8 1 Corinthians 6:11 Sanctifies John 17:13 Titus 3:5 Saves James 1:21 Ephesians 3:16 Strengthen Psalm 119:28 1 Corinthians 2:13 Teaches 2 Timothy 3:16-17 John 15:26 Testifies John 5:39 36

6 Galatians 5:16 Walks in Psalm 119:10 Romans 8:16 Witnesses John 5:39; 1 John 5:6-8 The Personality of the Holy Spirit First: In Acts 13:1-5, the Holy Spirit acts as a Person. He speaks to the leaders of the church at Antioch. He instructs them, Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them (v. 2). Notice the personal references to Me and I. The Holy Spirit, along with the Antioch leaders, sends out the missionaries (vv. 3, 4). Second: Throughout the rest of the Book of Acts, the Holy Spirit is portrayed as a Person. He had inspired Scripture which had to be fulfilled (1:16). Ananias lies to the Holy Spirit (5:3). The Spirit bears witness to Jesus (5:32). Philip is instructed by the Spirit (8:28). The early believers are comforted by Him (9:31). The Spirit tells Peter how to act towards the men He has sent (10:19f). Peter recounts to Cornelius what the Spirit had told Him (11:12). The decisions of the Jerusalem council are confirmed by the Holy Spirit (15:28). The Holy Spirit forbids Paul to preach in Asia and Bithynai (16:6f). He testifies about the chains and tribulations awaiting Paul (20:23). Paul tells the elders of the church at Ephesiansesus,... the Holy Spirit has made you overseers to shepherd the church of God... (20:28). The Holy Spirit again prophesies of the problems about to befall Paul (21:11). And finally, Paul declares, The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers... (28:25). Third: The Holy Spirit exhibits personal traits elsewhere in the Bible. The Spirit hovers over the creation (Hebrew--rahap Genesis 1:2, compare Deut 32:11). He is to send Israel's Redeemer (Isaiah 48:16). Jesus promises His followers that the Spirit will speak for them when they are being persecuted (Matthew 10:16-20). The Spirit will teach them what they should say (Luke 12:12). The Spirit assures believers we are the children of God. He leads us and enables us to cry out Abba, Father (Romans 8:14-17). He intercedes for us before the Father (Romans 8:26). He also loves us and enables us to love God and others (Romans 5:5, 15:30). The Spirit searches the deep things of God and knows them (1 Corinthians 2:10f). He distributes spiritual gifts to all Christians as He wills (1 Corinthians 12:11). And we can have communion or fellowship with the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 13:14; Gr. koinonia). Further, we can grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30). He instructs us as to what will happen in the latter times (I Timothy 4:1). He witnesses to believers as to the perfection of the sacrifice of Jesus (Hebrews 10:14-17). He is insulted when people reject what Christ has done (Hebrews 10:29). As such, the Spirit commands people to accept the free offer of eternal life (Revelation 22:17). Fourth: Masculine pronouns are used in reference to the Holy Spirit despite the fact that Spirit (Greek--pneuma) is neuter (John 14:26; 15:26; 16:8, 13f, Greek--ekeinos, literally, that One). 37

7 Fifth: Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as another Helper (John 14: 16). Another in the Greek is allos. Greek scholar Joseph Thayer states, Allos generally denotes simply a distinction of individuals. This usage is in contrast to a similar word Jesus could have spoken but did not--heteros (different). Heteros involves the secondary idea of difference of kind (Thayer, p. 243). Hence, since Jesus is a Person, the Holy Spirit must be One also. In addition, the word rendered Helper (Greek--parakletos) is applied to Jesus in I John 2:1 where it is generally translated as Advocate. Thayer writes in reference to both Jesus and the Holy Spirit being called parakletos, so of the Holy Spirit destined to take the place of Christ with the apostles (after his ascension)... (Thayer, p. 483). Only a Person can take the place of a Person. See Acts 9:31 where the early church is said to be... walking in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit. Comfort is the verb form of the noun parakletos (i.e.. parakleses). The Deity of the Holy Spirit First: The Holy Spirit is equated with God in several places in the Scriptures. Peter considers lying to the Holy Spirit to be the same as lying to God (Acts 5:3f). Paul calls the Spirit the Lord (2 Corinthians 3:17). Interestingly, the Bible of Jehovah's Witnesses (the New World Translation) renders the phrase Jehovah is the Spirit. The Spirit distributes gifts to Christians as He wills (1 Corinthians 12:11). But it is God who sets members in the Church as He pleases (1 Corinthians 12:18). In addition, the Lord directs our hearts into the love of God (2Thes 3:5). Yet, the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). Second: Christians are the temple of God because the Spirit dwells in us (1 Corinthians 3:16). Further, Paul prays for Christians to be filled with all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:19). But later, he commands us to be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). Third: The Holy Spirit possesses the attributes of God. He is eternal (Hebrews 9:14), omnipresent (Psalm 139:7-10), and omnipotent (Luke 1:35-37). He knows the deep things of God so He must also be omniscient (1 Corinthians 2:10f). Fourth: The Holy Spirit does the works of God. Genesis states, the LORD God formed man (2:7). But Job proclaimed, The Spirit of God has made me... (Job 33:4). The Holy Spirit calls people to be missionaries and elders (Acts 13:2, 20:28). But Jesus tells us to pray for the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest (Matthew 9:38). Peter states that the Scriptures were written as people were moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20f) even though Paul informs us that All Scripture is God-breathed (2Tim 3:16; MKJV). God gives The Revelation to Jesus, but is the Spirit who is speaking to the churches (Revelation 1:1; 2:7). And most importantly, God gives eternal life, although people must be born of the Spirit to be saved (1John 5:11; John 3:3-8). Further, God chooses us for salvation, and the Holy Spirit guarantees our inheritance (Ephesians 1:3-14). Fifth: 38

8 The words of God are considered to be the words of the Holy Spirit. Compare the following sets of verses: Isaiah 6:9f; Acts 28:25-27; /Hebrews 10:15f; Jeremiah 23,33f). Conclusion: In light of all of the preceding information, there is only one possible answer to the title of this article--the Holy Spirit is a Person who is God. As such, HE is able to give the believer comfort and direction in life. These things, a force could not possibly provide (see Romans 8:14; Acts 9:31). Bibliography: All Scripture references from: The New King James Version. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1982, unless otherwise indicated. Thayer, Joseph. The New Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon of the NT. Peabody, Mass: Hendrickson Publishers, Who or What is the Holy Spirit? Copyright 1999 by Gary F. Zeolla of Darkness to Light ministry ( Footnotes: 1 allos generally denotes simply a distinction of individuals, heteros involves the secondary idea of difference of kind; e.g. 2 Corinthians 6:4; Galatians 1:6,7. Joseph Thayer. The New Thayer s Greek- English Lexicon of the New Testament (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 1981), p a helper, succorer, aider, assistant; so of the Holy Spirit destined to take the place of Christ with the apostles (after his ascension to the Father) (Ibid., p.483). Note: The same word is used of Christ in 1John 2:2. All Scripture references from: The New King James Version. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1982, unless otherwise indicated. 39